FWCS outlines tentative facilities timeline

Fort Wayne Community Schools Superintendent Dr. Wendy Robinson presented her proposed five-year timeline for renovations to district schools during a news conference held today at the Grile Administrative Center. The timeline spells out which buildings would be addressed and the total cost for each on a year-by-year basis through 2011. This proposal follows work completed by the Yellow Ribbon Task Force, a citizen group that, after meeting for several months, gave their recommendations to the Superintendent last week.
Dr. Robinson's announcement comes on the same day FWCS Board of School Trustees will hold a meeting to gather input from members of the public. That meeting will take place this evening at 5:30 in the Board Room at the Grile Administrative Center, 1200 S. Barr St. The Board has been meeting each night this week to go over in detail the recommendations of the Yellow Ribbon Task Force. This evening's meeting will begin with Board members continuing their review, then they will offer an open microphone for citizen comment.
Board members are expected to take action on the district's plan during their regularly scheduled meeting Monday, Feb. 12 at 6 p.m. A 1028 hearing will take place at that time, providing citizens again with an opportunity for public comment. Because a large crowd is expected, the meeting will be held in the auditorium at Anthis Career Center, 1200 S. Barr St.
I want to thank the members of the Yellow Ribbon Task Force and our Board of School Trustees for the hard work, dedication and the thoughtful approach they are taking as we move forward in crafting a comprehensive plan to upgrade our buildings, said Dr. Robinson. Generations of children in this community will benefit from their insightfulness.
To view the year-by-year timeline listing schools and project costs, including inflation, for the proposed renovations, go to:
http://www.fwcs.k12.in.us/LRFP/PressConference020707.pdf

With nearly 30,000 students, Fort Wayne Community Schools is one of the largest school districts in Indiana. FWCS proudly allows families to choose any of its 50 schools through its successful school-choice program creating diversity in each school, including some with more than 75 languages spoken. FWCS offers seven magnet schools focusing on areas such as science and math, communication, fine arts or Montessori at the elementary and middle school level. In high school, students can choose from the prestigious International Baccalaureate program, Project Lead the Way or New Tech Academy as well as other rigorous academic and specialty training programs.